FOREIGN INVASION AND ADVENT OF EUROPEANS

Mughal Empire

Chapter – 4

The Portuguese colonial enterprise its political and economic consequence

• In the fifth century, two invaders approached India: the Portuguese by sea and the Mughals by land.
• While the Mughal contributions (political, administrative, and cultural) are highly appreciated, the Portuguese contribution is often undervalued.
• Popular mythology often limits the Portuguese contribution to Vasco da Gama, the navigator, and Albuquerque, who created a brief Portuguese empire in Asia through terror and the sword.
• Indian commodities were in great demand in European markets during the Middle Ages, and these goods reached Europe via land or partly by sea.
• The rise of the Turks led to the closure of the land route, creating the need for a new route to India.
• The Portuguese were pioneers in finding a new route to India.
• Prince Henry of Portugal (1393-1460), known as the “Navigator,” played a significant role by setting up a school for seamen and supporting navigation efforts.
• As a result of their efforts, the Portuguese explored the entire coast of Africa.
• In 1471, the Portuguese crossed the Equator, and in 1481, they reached the Congo.
• In 1487, Bartholomeo Diaz was blown past the Cape of Good Hope by storms, and he was supported by King John II.
• In 1497, Vasco da Gama, under the patronage of King Emmanuel, began his voyage, following Diaz’s route and crossing the Cape of Good Hope.
• Vasco da Gama reached Mozambique, met an Indian pilot, and set sail for India in April 1498.
• After a month-long voyage, Vasco da Gama reached Calicut, where he was warmly received by King Zamorin and granted privileges.
• The Arabs were opposed to Vasco da Gama’s arrival in India, spreading rumors about the Portuguese.
• Vasco da Gama left India after a stay of about three months due to the growing opposition.
• In 1501, Vasco da Gama returned to India for a second time, establishing a factory at Cannanore and returning to Portugal in 1503.
• Despite opposition from the Arabs, the Portuguese established trading centers at Calicut, Cochin, and Cannanore, using cruelty and oppression against the Arabs.
• After Vasco da Gama left, King Zamorin attacked the Portuguese in Cochin, but he was defeated, solidifying Portuguese supremacy.